The team signed Ford in April to a one-year deal, hoping he could be their kick returner. But Ford had a shaky preseason. He had three catches for 19 yards and never showed the speed that made him such a dangerous return man with the Raiders. A foot injury two years ago had slowed Ford considerably.

“Jacoby had been given a lot of opportunities,” Rex Ryan said. “I still think he has a chance. He had an injury before … and there seemed to be some struggles. … We felt we have better options on this football team for our current situation right now. For his benefit, to have an early release like this might provide an opportunity to catch on with another team. We feel that the guys that we kept, we felt better about.”

Ryan said Saalim Hakim is currently the leading candidate to be the team’s kickoff returner. Clyde Gates also can do it.

The Jets also released cornerback Ras-I Dowling, a former second-round pick of the Patriots. Dowling had a strong spring, but spent much of training camp sidelined with injuries. The other cuts were wide receiver Michael Campbell, tight end Colin Anderson, fullback Chad Young and defensive end Anthony Grady.

Their roster is at 75 now. They have to cut the roster to 53 by 4 p.m. Saturday.

WR/PR Jalen Saunders returned to the practice field Sunday for the first time since driving off the road after experiencing an undisclosed medical problem. Saunders was not permitted to participate in contact drills, but Ryan said he should be cleared for contact Monday.

Ryan said Saunders will play Thursday against the Eagles.

“He’ll be ready to roll,” Ryan said. “I expect to see a great deal of him in this game in Philly Thursday night as a receiver as well as punt returner.”

The starters generally don’t play in the final preseason game, and even some key backups sit. Ryan said Michael Vick will start at quarterback against his former team, but won’t play long. It would not be surprising if Ryan pulls Vick after one play so he can get an ovation from the Philadelphia fans. … CB Antonio Allen (concussion), WR Stephen Hill (illness), CB Dee Milliner (ankle), LB IK Enemkpali (foot) and LB Troy Davis (quad) did not practice Sunday.